Author: Ryan D Yarber

I'm just a guy who loves to read and write. Words are magical things that can build, destroy, inspire, and move others. I hope my stories reach others and inspire them to create something of their own.

Angel Mage

On By Ryan D YarberIn Book Reviews, Reviewed by RyanLeave a comment

Angel Mage

“More than a century has passed since Liliath crept into the empty sarcophagus of Saint Marguerite, fleeing the Fall of Ystara. But she emerges from her magical sleep still beautiful, looking no more than nineteen, and once again renews her single-minded quest to be united with her lover, Palleniel, the archangel of Ystara.

It’s a seemingly impossible quest, but Liliath is one of the greatest practitioners of angelic magic to have ever lived, summoning angels and forcing them to do her bidding. Four young people hold her interest: Simeon, a studious doctor-in-training; Henri, a dedicated fortune hunter; Agnez, a glory-seeking musketeer; and Dorotea, icon-maker and scholar of angelic magic.

The four feel a strange kinship from the moment they meet but do not suspect their importance. And none of them know just how Liliath plans to use them, as mere pawns in her plan, no matter the cost to everyone else . . .”

Angel Mage is a standalone novel and is a great introduction to the work of Garth Nix. This book is a neatly wrapped, satisfying adventure. However, the world Nix created is rich and could potentially spawn future stories if he chooses to write more. There are no clear lines between heroes and villains or good and bad in this story and I enjoyed being able to decide for myself how to connect everything together. I also enjoyed trying to figure out the motivations and intentions of each character as the story progressed.

If you are already a fan of Garth Nix, like fantasy, or enjoy sword fights and monsters, you will like Angel Mage. The recommended age range is 14 and up, but I think this story would be okay for younger, ambitious readers. This book is expected to release on October 1st, 2019. Pick up a copy or check your local library.

 

Dune

On By Ryan D YarberIn Book Reviews, Reviewed by RyanLeave a comment

Dune

“Set on the desert planet Arrakis, it is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, who will become the mysterious man known as Muad’Dib. Paul’s noble family is named stewards of Arrakis, whose sands are the only source of a powerful drug called “the spice.” After his family is brought down in a traitorous plot, Paul must go undercover to seek revenge, and to bring to fruition humankind’s most ancient and unattainable dream.”

Dune by Frank Herbert is considered one of the best science fiction novels of all time and for good reason. The book originally came out in 1965, shared the Hugo Award in 1966 for Best Novel, won the inaugural Nebula Award for the same category, was turned into a movie released in 1984, adapted into a miniseries released in 2000, and was in the recent Great American Read coming in at #35 of the 100 best-loved novels. A star-studded cast has been gathered to once again bring this intricate story to life on the big screen with an expected release in December 2020.

Though there are 20 Dune novels, six written by Frank Herbert and 14 by his son, Brian Herbert, and Kevin J. Anderson, this first volume can be read as a stand alone story. I knew nothing of this book when I first jumped in aside from the fact it is held in high regard within the genre and among many writers. I was surprised at how much I liked this book and how it drew me in until all I could think of was turning the next page. Perhaps you may find a similar experience.

Interested in this book? Look for it at your local library. If you’re affiliated with Lindenwood, you can request this book from MOBIUS.

Robin

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Robin

Robin by Dave Itzkoff is a thoroughly researched biography of Robin Williams. Nearly every account mentioned within these pages is told through first-hand experience by the people who were in Robin’s life at the time. It opens with the recounting of Robin’s childhood and education before quickly diving into his start in comedy. From there, it tells an unbiased account of Robin’s life all the way up to, and shortly after, his death in August of 2014. For anyone who may only be interested in this book as a means to find an answer, you need only read the final few chapters. Though I hope you care enough to read all of it to fully understand him as a man. After all, there is a difference between knowing and understanding.

This book is for anyone who wants a peek behind the exuberant force that was Robin Williams. I think you’ll be surprised what you find. It has been five years since we lost this incredible human being, but he has left a part of himself behind so we can always let him make us laugh, or cry, simply by pressing play.

Interested in this book? Look for it at your local library. If you’re affiliated with Lindenwood, you can request this book from MOBIUS.